Chelsea News: Diego Costa to make Atletico Madrid public appearance today

Costa wants to leave Chelsea and the Blues have agreed a deal to sell him to Atletico.

That move is yet to be signed off and Costa won’t be able to play for the club until the transfer window opens in January.

But that doesn’t prevent the Spain international from getting back into the old routine at his former club.

Costa yesterday landed in Madrid after a long summer break in his native Brazil.

He went on strike and refused to return to Chelsea in an effort to force through the transfer to Atletico.

And Spanish newspapers AS and Marca both claim the 28-year-old will be at Atletico’s match today against Sevilla.

According to the reports, Costa has been gifted a seat in the president’s box for the 12noon kick off.

This is Atletico’s second match in their new Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

They beat Malaga 1-0 in the stadium’s inauguration earlier this month.

Chelsea expect to earn around £67million from Costa’s sale.

They wanted the deal done before the summer transfer deadline after Antonio Conte had texted the striker telling him he would be sold.

Yesterday Costa spoke to reporters at Madrid’s Barajas airport after touching down from Brazil.

“I’m very happy. It’s taken a lot of time but it has a happy ending,” he said.

“Now I’m waiting to see my team-mates and train. I’m looking forward to giving my best as always, and hopefully things go well.

“It always makes you a little nervous when time is passing by, but (Atletico chief executive) Miguel Angel Gil has made a great effort and I’m grateful to him, like everybody at the club. 

“I’m very happy and will try to show my thanks in some way.”